Graphic Designers make meaning by shaping messages through
content and form. Our role as designers, regardless of medium, is the
same — to communicate in a clear, evocative and memorable way.

The Associate
of Arts in Graphic Design begins with core courses providing a
solid foundation in visual problem-solving. Throughout the program, we
work to balance practical skills development with conceptual thinking
and creativity. Elective courses allow students to customize the
program. All students finish with the Design Studio Practicum, Emerge
Studio, which provides a more real-world environment for exploration.

This program is for students beginning their studies, who have not
completed a degree at another institution. Students who have already
completed a degree should persue the Visual and Interactive Design Certificate.

We have five areas of emphasis in which you can obtain certificates.
Each area requires a foundation certificate, completed first, and an
emphasis certificate, as indicated below. For information on waiving
specific classes in a certificate, see our Department
Prerequisite Policy.

Visual and Interaction Design

The Visual
Design Foundation certificate provides essential
knowledge, processes, principles and skills for visual design and
production for print and interactive communications. It can serve as a
stand-alone certificate, or as the basis for advanced study in graphic
design, visual media production or other areas.

This program of study will prepare students to enter the workforce
with a broad understanding of contemporary design practice. Coursework
covers theory, research, design thinking, critical analysis, and
practical tools and practices for a range of interactive, such as web
and mobile, and print projects. Students will refine their skills and
develop portfolio projects in Emerge Studio, our design studio
practicum. Students will be able to customize the program to meet
their personal goals through electives.

This program of study emphasizes digital tools used in today's
digital media professions. Students will become proficient with
industry-standard software for web and mobile interactive development
as well as print production. They will have a working understanding of
fundamental design concepts. Students will refine their skills through
a supervised work-experience in a local firm or in Emerge Studio, our
on-campus design studio practicum. Students can customize the program
to meet their goals through electives.

The Web Foundation certificate provides foundational
knowledge and skills for those who want to work on web production. It
can serve as a stand-alone certificate, or as the basis for continued
study in front-end web production.

The Digital Art Foundation certificate provides
essential knowledge and skills for digital artists and is required for
further study of Digital Illustration. It can serve as a stand-alone
certificate, or as the basis for continued study in digital
illustration, animation, gaming or other areas.

This program of study combines the study of illustration, art and
design with digital tools and techniques to create communicative
imagery that is disseminated through all forms of visual media.
Students are prepared for freelance illustration positions in print
and interactive media publishing, advertising, animation, and gaming.

This program of study combines the study of animation, art, graphics
and problem solving using the tools and techniques for digital
animation. This course of study prepares students for entry-level
positions in digital animation.

This program of study combines the study of game art design and
development using current industry-standard tools and techniques for
interactive game development. This course of study prepares students
for entry-level positions in the interactive game design and
development industry.

Students who entered the our department before Fall 2013 can choose
to follow the former certificate structure or switch to the new one
described here. If you are an existing student and not sure what
program of study to follow, please contact Lorraine Leber at lleber@ccsf.edu. To see the former
certificates, see Prior Certificates.

Transfer Information

We have articulation agreements with several schools in the Bay Area,
including CCA and San Francisco State University. For more information
about transfering, contact Lorraine Leber at lleber@ccsf.edu.